Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Sharing meals with family brings about a special kind of joy that resonates deeply. One dish that always feels like a comforting hug on a chilly evening is creamy Italian meatball soup. The delightful aroma of simmering meatballs and rich broth has a way of beckoning everyone to the kitchen, creating an instant gathering.

When I first made this recipe, I wanted something hearty and satisfying. I vividly remember the laughter and chatter as everyone savored each spoonful. The secret behind this creamy Italian meatball soup lies in the mix of flavors and textures, from juicy meatballs to tender pasta.

With just a few simple ingredients, including ground beef or turkey, fresh veggies, and rich cream, you can create a bowl of goodness that warms not just the stomach, but also the heart. Sharing this creamy Italian meatball soup recipe feels like passing down a family heirloom, effortlessly bridging generations around the dinner table.

Now, let’s uncover the magic of crafting this creamy Italian meatball soup at home, turning basic ingredients into a cherished meal.

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Fundamentals

Fundamentals

Creating a savory creamy Italian meatball soup starts with understanding its vital components. This soup features juicy meatballs that soak up rich flavors from fresh vegetables and creamy broth. Each ingredient plays a significant role, ensuring you achieve a delightful finish in every bowl.

You’ll find that a base of ground beef or turkey provides the protein. The breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese help bind the meatballs together, while the egg lends moisture. It’s essential to mix these elements evenly to create perfectly shaped meatballs that brown beautifully when cooked.

Using aromatic vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery—often referred to as mirepoix—adds depth to the soup. They not only enhance the flavor but also contribute a pleasing texture. Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, provide a vibrant touch, infusing the dish with fresh flavors.

Preparation/Setup

Start by gathering all your ingredients. This recipe requires ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, an egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, olive oil, an onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, small pasta, and heavy cream. Having everything on hand ensures smooth preparation and cooking.

Before jumping into the cooking process, prepare your meatballs. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients come together. This part is not just about combining; it’s about creating a blend of flavors that will shine in the final dish.

Next, shape the mixture into small meatballs. Even-sized meatballs ensure even cooking. Place the formed meatballs aside while you sauté the vegetables in a large pot. Cooking with olive oil adds richness to the foundation of your creamy Italian meatball soup.

Ingredients

Understanding each ingredient’s role helps in developing the dish perfectly. Here’s what you need:

• Ground beef or turkey (1 pound): This acts as the main protein.
• Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): They bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
• Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds flavor and richness.
• Egg (1): Helps hold the meatballs together.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the meatball mix with aromatic goodness.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs adds an Italian flair.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for overall seasoning.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing vegetables and adding flavor.
• Onion (1, chopped): Provides a sweet base flavor.
• Carrots (2, diced): Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
• Celery stalks (2, diced): Contributes crunch and fragrance.
• Chicken broth (4 cups): The foundation for the soup base.
• Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Adds acidity and richness.
• Small pasta (1 cup, like ditalini or small shells): Adds heartiness to the soup.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a luxuriously creamy texture.
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish and adds freshness.

Directions

Now that you have everything prepared, let’s dive into the cooking process:

1. In a mixing bowl, blend together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
3. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables until they soften and their aromas fill the kitchen.
4. Carefully place the meatballs into the pot, allowing them to brown on all sides. This step enhances their flavor and adds texture.
5. Once browned, pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld.
6. Stir in the small pasta and cook according to the package instructions until tender.
7. Finally, pour in the heavy cream and stir well to integrate it into the soup. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve the creamy Italian meatball soup hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for an attractive finish.

Perfecting the Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Technique

Mastering the technique of making creamy Italian meatball soup lies in the details. When forming the meatballs, remember that gentle handling creates a more tender texture. Avoid overmixing the meat; just combine it until incorporated to keep the meatballs light and fluffy.

Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery not only softens them but also unlocks their natural sugars, creating an enticing base. Browning the meatballs before adding the broth enhances their flavor profile. This step is crucial; it adds a richness that elevates the entire soup.

Tips/Tricks

To achieve the best results, keep a few tips in mind. If your meatball mixture feels too wet, add a touch more breadcrumbs to achieve the right consistency. When cooking the pasta, consider undercooking it slightly. The pasta will continue to cook in the broth, absorbing flavors as it goes.

For a more pronounced flavor, let the soup simmer for a bit longer after adding the broth and tomatoes. This allows the ingredients to fully interact, enhancing the overall richness of the dish. If you want to add extra depth, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary, but not overwhelming the classic Italian flavor.

Troubleshooting and Variations

Perfecting Results

Achieving the perfect creamy Italian meatball soup involves attention to detail. If the soup ends up too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water until you reach the desired consistency. On the flip side, if it’s too thin, allow it to simmer a bit longer to concentrate the flavors.

If the meatballs are not browning, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding them to the pot. This crucial step prevents the meat from steaming and ensures that the meatballs develop a rich golden-brown crust.

Troubleshooting/Variations

In case your soup lacks the flavor punch you desire, adjust seasoning gradually. You can add more salt, pepper, or a splash of chicken broth to liven it up. If you wish to try different proteins, ground chicken or turkey work well and can change the soup’s character.

For those looking for a vegetarian option, swap the meatballs with lentils or chickpeas for an equally satisfying substitute. Using whole grain pasta or a gluten-free variety can also cater to dietary needs while still maintaining a delicious result.

Serving and Storage

Serving/Presentation

When it comes to serving creamy Italian meatball soup, presentation counts. Ladle the soup into bowls and take a moment to adorn each serving with fresh basil or parsley. This simple addition not only brightens the dish visually, but also amplifies the flavor.

Pair the soup with crusty bread for dipping. A light green salad can also complement the richness of the soup beautifully, providing a refreshing balance.

Pairings/Storage

For storage, cool any leftovers promptly before transferring them to airtight containers. The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers, where it can be preserved for up to three months.

When reheating, be cautious. The pasta may absorb some broth, so add a splash of chicken broth when warming it up to achieve the right texture again. Enjoy the comforting warmth of creamy Italian meatball soup as a go-to dish for cozy evenings or gatherings.

In this culinary adventure, creamy Italian meatball soup stands out as a timeless favorite. It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that sparks joy and connection around the dining table.

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A hearty and satisfying creamy Italian meatball soup that brings family together with its rich flavors and textures.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or small shells)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, blend together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
3. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
4. Carefully place the meatballs into the pot and brown them on all sides.
5. Once browned, pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in the small pasta and cook according to package instructions until tender.
7. Finally, pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, swap meatballs with lentils or chickpeas. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: meatball soup, Italian soup, creamy soup, comfort food